The McDowell Flyers are an ad hoc group
of indoor R/C enthusiasts that meet on Friday evening in the McDowell Intermediate
High School Gymnasium.
Tom Womack is the unofficial point man, so he can answer any questions you have
about model restrictions and flight schedules (not all Fridays are available). Melanie
and I first visited the gym a couple weeks ago, and were amazed at the number of
people there. I'm told a lot are from the local Thermal-G R/C flying club, but many
do not have any formal club affiliation. The McDowell Flyers group is not an AMA
chartered club. See
Millcreek Parks &
Recreation for more informatino.
In the video below, you can see the level of activity. With as many as 10 airplanes
aloft at one time, it's a wonder there are so few collisions - yes, they do happen,
but usually with no damage. It looks like a swarm of bugs on a humid summer night.
This is definitely a good way to polish your skills at flying in close quarters
with many other planes. Flying weight is limited to 2 ounces in order to keep mid-air
collision and contact with school fixture damages to a minimum, preferably to zero.
Most of the models are the pre-built, ready-to-fly (RTF) type. From what I've
seen, most of the guys (and a few gals) opt for their own transmitters rather than
using the el cheapo ones that sometimes come with the airplanes. Occasionally, you'll
see a micro helicopter, a flying saucer, or a quadrotor floating around.
Video
McDowell Flyers
Many of the airplanes flown are ready-to-fly models by companies like Park Zone
and E-flite. Horizon Hobby (includes Tower
Hobbies)sells both lines. I've been buying hobby supplies from Tower Hobbies since
they first opened in the early 1970s. Micro helicopters and flying saucers can be
found at these two companies as well. Most of these models cost right around $100,
and usually include everything you need except the transmitter. You can also by
models with a transmitter, but if you are going to stay with the hobby for any length
of time, you'll definitely want a "real" transmitter.
Directions to McDowell Intermediate High School Gymnasium:
From I-90, take the 26th Street (Rt. 20) exit heading west. Go about 1 mile and
turn right onto Caughey Road. McDowell Middle School is on the right after about
a half mile. Turn in and go to the gymnasium entrance.
